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Council considers making Cal Oaks Park revitalization and pool replacement a top priority
Summary
Staff recommended resuming work on a previously paused concept to replace the Cal Oaks community pool and revitalize the park, and to coordinate with the Boys & Girls Club about a permanent facility. Council members pressed staff for cost detail and alternatives, and several asked that the pool or a reduced scope (lap pool plus splash pad) be elevated to a top priority.
Murrieta city staff told the council that the long-paused Cal Oaks Park pool replacement project has a concept plan and that the item was placed on hold when sales-tax revenue softened. At the Feb. 26 workshop, staff recommended the council consider elevating the project back to a top priority so staff can resume design and funding work.
Staff said a full replacement concept carried a multi-million-dollar estimate (architect'level estimate discussed in the workshop placed a full-scope project in the low-double-digit millions), which triggered the earlier pause. Several council members said residents regularly ask for a community pool and urged staff to explore options for a smaller, less costly facility (for example a lap pool plus splash pad) and public-private partnerships, including involvement and potential cost-sharing by the Boys & Girls Club.
Council members also asked staff to assess how pool investments would fit into broader parks priorities (pickleball courts, pump track, tot-lot replacement) and whether phased work could allow some amenities to be delivered sooner. Staff said they will return with a refined cost estimate and options for smaller-scale build alternatives, partnership scenarios and possible funding sources that could include grants.
Separately, council discussed a broader parks and recreation set of priorities: revitalizing Cal Oaks Park (restrooms, storage and field improvements), siting a west-side regional sports park, and a request to consider adding a BMX/pump track and other family-oriented amenities as part of a coordinated parks plan.
